Education

Concerts are only a portion of the Symphony’s involvement in our community. ISCS, its musicians, as well as many volunteers, also expend much time, effort, and a considerable portion of the annual budget on numerous education and outreach programs promoting music, supporting music education, and truly changing lives. These programs are made possible by our generous donors and through grants from the Idaho Community Foundation, the Idaho Commission on the Arts, USBanCorp Foundation, J.R. Simplot Company, and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Children’s Concerts are designed especially for a young audience, for area 4th and 5th graders, with costs of the concerts and the transportation to and from the schools borne by the Symphony. The same program is presented at the Family Concert where parents may bring children of all ages for a taste of live classical music.

Summer Institute for Piano and Strings (SIPS): Idaho State University Piano Institute and the Idaho State-Civic Symphony have joined forces to create a unique experience for pianists and string players. Some advanced pianists and string players will have the unique opportunity to rehearse, coach, and perform chamber music for strings and piano. The event is a week-long camp for serious intermediate and advanced students who are entering the 8th through the 12th grades. A Jr. String option is available for the younger string student with at least a years worth of playing experience. The week features activities from 9 a.m. to about 9 p.m. every day, including solo and collaborative performance study, music classes, ensembles, and various other group activities. Students from anywhere are invited to attend, and are welcome to board at our facilities. The number of attendees is limited, so early application is encouraged to ensure admittance. The application process is specific for piano or strings, and is explained under each respective category.

Young Artists Competition, a biennial event, is open to instrumentalists and vocalists in Junior (ages 13-18) and Senior Divisions (ages 19-24). Winners of each division are provided scholarships to further their music education and then perform as guest artists with the Symphony at Jensen Hall.

ISCS Youth Orchestra provides the area’s best strings students an opportunity to play a more challenging repertoire than is possible with an orchestra from a single school. With regular rehearsals and concert performances, these students improve musically and in turn enhance their own school programs. This group is fulfilling the vision of Director Colin Brien and the Symphony to provide a full symphonic orchestra experience in a world-class hall to as many young musicians as possible.

Master Classes: The Symphony Association also continues to sponsor free master classes and workshops for the community’s musicians held by our guest artists. These well-known musicians play with some of the world’s best symphonies, and are enticed to our small community by the opportunity of performance in our amazing concert hall. Guest Artists typically welcome the opportunity to teach and mentor students in the community in which they are performing.